Global Vice President - Automation

DP World is committed to foster automation, innovation, and digitalization in the maritime and logistics industry. As part of its mission to remain competitive and sustainable, the company is focused on advancing automation solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability across its global terminal network.The Global Vice President of Automation and R&D is responsible for defining, developing, and executing the Global Automation and R&D strategy, ensuring DP World leads in cutting-edge technology solutions for Ports & Terminals pillar. This role oversees global automation programs, manages research and development (R&D) initiatives, and supports the integration of new automation technologies to enhance operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.The key objective is to accelerate innovation and automation adoption while ensuring cost-effectiveness, scalability, and seamless integration with DP World's core business. This includes: Standardizing and enhancing automation solutions across DP World’s global network.Leading R&D initiatives for automation technologies.Managing proof of concept (Po C) projects to mitigate risks and streamline deployment.Partnering with technology providers, industry leaders, and internal stakeholders.Ensuring seamless automation integration with terminal operations and business growth.The ultimate goal is to reduce automation risk, accelerate technology adoption, and optimize ramp-up times for automation and productivity at competitive levels.KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: Define and drive the Global Automation & R&D vision for DP World.Develop a standardized automation roadmap for existing and new terminals.Optimize automation technology for enhanced safety, efficiency, and sustainability.Work with business units (BUs) to mitigate risk and reduce single points of failure.Ensure technology alignment with strategic operational and business objectives.Lead efforts to reduce ramp-up time for automated terminal productivity.Oversee automation project execution, ensuring seamless integration and scalability.Collaborate with IT, operations, and engineering teams for system compatibility.R&D & Innovation Leadership Lead R&D projects focusing on next-generation automation technologies.Manage proof of concept (Po C) trials, ensuring risk mitigation for future rollouts.Develop business cases for automation investments and technology adoption.Strengthen DP World's position as a leader in terminal automation & R&D.Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships Serve as DP World's automation ambassador, influencing industry advancements.Engage with technology providers, research institutions, and industry leaders.Support business development teams in automation-driven growth opportunities.Align automation strategies with regional and global operational priorities.Operational Support & Knowledge Consolidation Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for automation & digital transformation.Provide technical guidance for automated terminal design and execution.Maintain and update automation standards, procedures, and best practices.Drive cross-terminal knowledge sharing to accelerate automation adoption.General Responsibilities Lead a high-performance Global Automation and R&D team, ensuring engagement and career development.Promote a culture of safety, ethics, and continuous improvement.Ensure alignment with DP World's sustainability and digital transformation goals.Perform other related duties as assigned by Senior Management.JOB CONTEXT: The maritime and logistics industry is evolving rapidly, with automation and digitalization at the core of its transformation. DP World aims to be an industry leader by leveraging smart automation, robotics, AI, and data-driven decision-making to drive operational excellence.The Global VP of Automation & R&D plays a critical role in shaping the future of terminal automation, ensuring DP World remains competitive and technologically advanced. This position requires collaboration across regions, working with terminal operators, automation vendors, and engineering teams to implement and scale new solutions efficiently.The role will be focus on the Future of Ports & Terminals, including performance and transformation.QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Education & Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, or a related field.Advanced certifications in automation, robotics, or digital transformation are an asset.Experience & Technical Knowledge: 15+ years of experience in automation, digitalization, and R&D for ports & terminals or relevant industry.Proven expertise in automated container terminals (project management, integration, and IT).Strong knowledge of terminal automation technologies, AI, Io T, robotics, and big data analytics.Experience working with automation suppliers, vendors, and system integrators.Contract management experience (including vendor negotiations and IP rights).Ability to lead cross-functional global teams and drive innovation at scale.Soft Skills & Mindset: Strategic thinker with a passion for technology and business transformation.Problem solver with a proactive approach to risk reduction and efficiency gains.Curious and creative mindset to drive continuous improvement.Excellent communicator who can engage with stakeholders at all levels.Team player who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment.Willing to travel globally and work in an international, multi-cultural setting.DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or belief.By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualification for this or other job vacancies.Job Info Job Identification 16887Posting Date 03/28/2025, 08: 56 AMLocations JAFZA LOB 17 - Fifth Floor, Dubai, AE #J-18808-Ljbffr